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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.